But experiences like Begum’s are in shorter supply this summer, outdoor education advocates said, after cuts to federal grants led to the abrupt cancellation of hiking and camping trips for tens of thousands of children and teens. In February, 2025 President Trump’s administration cut nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding, forcing the cancellation of outdoor education programs across the country. Hurwit hopes the initiative will mobilize member organizations so that it will be easier to successfully lobby for legislation that benefits outdoor education. Especially since COVID, outdoor education is seen in different states as a way to boost mental health and academic outcomes. Initiatives to reduce screen time and develop green spaces to cool urban “heat islands” often go hand-in-hand with efforts to get kids outside for instruction.